We had the good fortune of connecting with Augie Lasseter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Augie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I kind of fell into owning a modeling agency accidentally! I knew I loved building business but I had no desire or even much knowledge of the modeling industry. I was a commercial lines insurance broker and helped grow that business which I found intriguing but I just couldn’t see myself growing old in that profession. I really dreamed of being in the music industry and since my earlier attempts at stardom didn’t work out, I realized that I’d be just as happy, if not happier, behind the scenes. When I started putting feelers out, I ended up meeting the owner of a noteable modeling agency that really wanted me to work for her. My first task was to fire her assistant and I ended up working for her for two years opening offices in Miami and New York. I learned a lot but was really put off by the experience, so I got into public relations from there. After a couple years, some of the people I had previously worked with were all leaving the agency I had been at and wanted to open another one that was run properly and actually paid the models. So the idea was hatched and we began FRONT Management thinking it was a solid plan but of course not knowing how successful it would be out of the gate. It ended up being so successful in the first two years that I closed the PR firm and got bigger office space to be at FRONT full time. I eventually bought out my business partners and now am doing my best to run a business with integrity thru these crazy COVID times. At 15 years in, it’s hard to even believe the things that have been accomplished! I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything! 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
FRONT Management is a boutique modeling agency and the original concept was very simple, find models we thought we could build careers for and treat them like family. I’m proud that we have been able to build the reputation we have as one of the top boutique agencies in the country, booking worldwide campaigns for brands like Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Versace, L’Oreal, Rolex and Perry Ellis among others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Miami and everyone knows I would be fine never leaving or visiting anywhere else. I think this city offers everything, whether you’re into partying, nature, food, the arts or just chilling in a suburban strip mall. Some of the touristy things I like to take friends to do when visiting are snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park, Everglades Holiday Park for an airboat ride and definitely a day out on the boat at the Haulover Sandbar. As far as restaurants, the staples for me are Houston’s North Miami Beach and happy hour cocktails at Smith & Wollensky on South Beach. Prime Fish has an amazing brunch (pre-COVID of course) and Monty’s South Beach is a local spot that is great to hang out at the bar for some sunset cocktails with a group. There are hundreds of options though for anyone who is a foodie!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a group of friends that is small but fierce. I think it is important to surround yourself with people who not only encourage and support you, but will also tell you the truth, even when it hurts. I have friends that are smarter than me so I can ask lots of questions and lean on them for sound advice.

Website: www.frontmanagement.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/frontmanagement
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augielasseter
Twitter: @frontmanagement
Facebook: www.facebook.com/frontmanagement
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FRONTMODEL
Other: https://models.com/agency/Front-Management

Image Credits
1, 4, 5 @kristyhorst @wearecreativedrive
2 @dannycardozo @dccostudios
3 @diesel
6, 7, 8 @bruceweber @versace
9 @bruceweber @ralphlauren
10 @originalpenguin
11 @neumannganoza @gqmexico

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.